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I want to change out the light switches in our condo, but I can't find one, and I suspect it's because I don't know what it's called. Do you? [more inside]
posted by pdb on May 18, 2020 - 11 answers

I just moved into a new place with what appears to be a smart lightswitch. Naturally, no documentation/manuals are available. There doesn't appear to be any manufacturer info visible. Can anyone by chance ID it?
posted by entropicamericana on Apr 29, 2020 - 8 answers

My house has a few odd push button switches for exterior lights that don’t work well and need to be replaced. What are these and what is the current day equivalent? [more inside]
posted by q*ben on Mar 22, 2020 - 5 answers

I have two sets of lamps in my apartment hooked up to two different wireless radio frequency remote control outlets, controlled by two separate remotes. They've worked great for 4 years. A couple weeks ago, both of the remotes stopped activating their outlet unless they were ~3 feet away. I changed the remote batteries and it didn't help. What gives?
posted by quiet coyote on Nov 1, 2019 - 5 answers

That's pretty much it. More after jump. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten on Apr 27, 2019 - 15 answers

My mom loves lamps. Last night, I counted 8 of them in the dining room (the largest room in the house). She nearly always turns on all the lamps in any given room. I would like to help her by setting up a solution so that she can turn on as many as 8 at once with the click of a button. I’d prefer it to be a solution that doesn’t require WiFi, and I do not want to use extension cords. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco on Dec 29, 2018 - 10 answers

I’ve been trying to find a replacement for my house light switches but I don’t know how to google what I’m looking for. My house has several light switches where there is a light switch at each entrance to a room. Either can turn on the lights and either will turn off the lights. However, because of this turning the light on one side means the “off” position on the other side is the opposite direction. Where as a normal light switch is off in the down position, this switch is off in the up position. I want to find light switches that are, instead of an actual switch, just a button. That way the indicator of on and off is the light itself rather than switch position. Do these sort of light switches exist?
posted by ArthurBarnhouse on Feb 5, 2018 - 11 answers

I have a dining room light with a (normal) light switch in the adjoining living room. I would like to be able to control the dining room light while in the dining room, but the electrician told me that rewiring to put in a regular switch in the dining room would be expensive. [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup on Nov 24, 2017 - 14 answers

I have a light switch, which works fine. It is in an inconvenient location, so I would like to control it via another switch located elsewhere -- wirelessly. Thoughts? [more inside]
posted by aramaic on Jun 21, 2017 - 13 answers

Please help me identify these incredibly weird and annoying light switches that are installed throughout my house. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy on Jan 7, 2017 - 10 answers

The light socket next to my bed stopped working and the electrician says it's because both wires are positive. I asked him how it could have happened and he said he didn't know, it was very strange. Electricians of MetaFilter, what's happening here? [more inside]
posted by Room 641-A on May 24, 2016 - 17 answers

We are looking for a reliable, fairly easy-to-install/use timer or remote control system for the light switch in our toddler's bedroom. [more inside]
posted by palindromic on Apr 4, 2016 - 9 answers

I'm trying to determine what parts I need to bring LED lighting to my home. I'd like to install some lights in multiple rooms to be controlled by wall switches and my phone and my network. But I'd like to do it in stages to reduce cost. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know on Feb 23, 2016 - 1 answer

I need some help figuring out the wiring in my switched ceiling junction box in order to connect a basic light fixture. In the box I have three pairs of black/white wires and one yellow wire. My fixture has one pair of black and white wires. [more inside]
posted by stopgap on Jan 31, 2014 - 10 answers

How can a lightswitch that controls both outlets be converted to switch just one? [more inside]
posted by cacophony on Jan 15, 2012 - 4 answers

I have a former light switch that I want to convert to a combination plate where the switch toggles power to the accompanying outlet. However, there are some details that leave me uncertain whether or not this can be accomplished without a certified electrician. [more inside]
posted by CancerMan on Aug 24, 2011 - 8 answers

Broken light switch. [more inside]
posted by ellieBOA on Nov 23, 2010 - 9 answers

What just scared the crap out of me? Hallway light went on for about 15 seconds, then off, and is now burnt out. [more inside]
posted by itesser on Apr 8, 2010 - 19 answers

I am not an electrician. But I'm poor, and I'm not an idiot. Unfortunately, I think I did something stupid when wiring a new wall plug; I accidentally touched two wires together, and now the electricity is off in two rooms. More electrically savvy people: can you help me? [more inside]
posted by koeselitz on Feb 15, 2010 - 34 answers

Electrical Product Filter: I'm going out of my mind trying to find a dual single-pole switch for my kitchen. In black. I can drive to Home Depot and get one in white or ivory, but heaven forbid anyone carry it in black. [more inside]
posted by Detuned Radio on Jan 1, 2010 - 8 answers

Why do some hotels have the bathroom light switch outside the bathroom? [more inside]
posted by kiltedtaco on Jun 21, 2007 - 34 answers

How to convert a porch light to be light-sensitive? [more inside]
posted by Zed_Lopez on Sep 7, 2005 - 10 answers

In my new apartment, the outlet I have to use for my computer system is hooked up to a lightswitch that also controls the room's lights. Any good ideas on how to undo this situation? [more inside]
posted by edlundart on Apr 28, 2005 - 16 answers

I have a closet in a converted basement (drywall). In the closet there is a light bulb powered by a switch so I assume there is electricity. My burning desire in life is to get a power outlet in that closet. What steps do I need to take? Is this a crazy young-person sort of dreamer's dream?
posted by xmutex on Feb 6, 2004 - 17 answers